4.5 of 5 starsIt is probably advisable to read Book 1 Birthmarked before starting this book to understand some of the world-building and back story, b4.5 of 5 starsIt is probably advisable to read Book 1 Birthmarked before starting this book to understand some of the world-building and back story, but not absolutely essential because this new story has a completely different tone to the first one. Gaia has struck out into the wasteland with her baby sister, looking for the village that her grandmother was rumoured to have escaped to. She has left without Leon and without knowing what has happened to him and if he is still alive. Where the world of the Enclave was very high-tech, the new village that Gaia finds herself in is very rustic and basic, so the whole book has the feel of more of a survival story, rather than a fight against a futuristic controlling society. The new village is very odd, and run by a group of matriarchs, but there are many political and social problems resulting from the fact that there are very few women in the village. The way they run things is very backwards to what Gaia is used to and she has a lot of trouble adapting and learning a whole new set of rules and what behaviour is socially acceptable. The village itself though I loved. It was so well described and the people and customs felt so real to me, it was like I was there. I really liked the two brothers who vie for Gaia's attention, and they were both really sweet to her, trying to do little things to make her happy like planting flowers in her garden, and then drawing straws to see who would walk her home. Where in her old town Gaia had resigned herself to a life of being the local midwife, and thought she would always single because of her scarred face, in Sylum she finds men are fighting for her attention- so it's not so much a love triangle, as a love square!Little Gaia is the hero in this story again, as she experiments, questions, and pieces together the snippets of rumours that she hears about varying success rates of leaving the village. Her brain is constantly trying to work out the dual mysteries of the village- why people drop dead when they try to leave, and why the village is mostly populated by men- and is again solving puzzles and riddles to come up with the answers. She manages to put together all the little clues, and with her outsider's perspective and analytical brain comes up with the answers that had eluded the other villagers. Gaia is such a steadfast and spunky character, and will always do what she thinks is morally right even if she ends up being punished for it. She has the admiration of two local brothers, and through her constant questioning and making a stand against any percieved injustice, she also earns the respect of a large portion of the village. I love these books and definitely recommend this series to fans of a good dystopian novel. Fantastic world-building, characters that stay with you, and a clever and complex story that is intense and emotional, with a romance story that is sweet and real. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the advance e-copy. ...more

Book 1 in the Empty Coffin SeriesEnvy plunges straight into the drama without pausing for introduction. Within a few pages a girl has died and the smaBook 1 in the Empty Coffin SeriesEnvy plunges straight into the drama without pausing for introduction. Within a few pages a girl has died and the small close-knit town of Port Gamble is thrown into speculation and suspicion. Was it a suicide, an accident or murder? Added to this is the mystery surrounding the characters who are main focus of the story- twins Hayley and Taylor, who were friends with the dead girl and are determined to find out what really happened to her, and whose eerie psychic powers are only gradually revealed. The twins use their "special gifts" to try to find answers. The story becomes a mystery story as the twins work at finding the evidence that the police missed, and piecing together the clues. Intertwined with this who-dunnit plotline is the connection to the memory of a school bus accident years ago, and hints to a secret about the twin's powers which has been long buried. Tying all of these threads together is a nosy reporter investigating all three stories and working out the connection between them. I liked the mix of characters in this, and the sense of real teens, but also the fact that we see things from the parent's perspective as well. We see some of their history and memories, and the teens are involved in the family as a whole (something that seems to be lacking in YA fiction a lot lately). Envy is definitely one of those books that doesn't hide the fact that bad things happen. There is tragedy, and heartache and evil and none of it is sugarcoated. This is a grim and gritty, emotional, dark read, encapsulating the pain of loss and the guilt of those left behind. The middle section of the book felt like not a lot was happening, however the ending definitely made up for it- with shock revelations, new surprises, and twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the very end. Hayley and Taylor race to uncover the truth about about their friend, and to keep certain secrets about their past from being exposed to the world. The paranormal aspect of the story was intriguing and I definitely feel that there is more to tell and more to come from Hayley and Taylor. Olsen has skillfully woven a suspense/ true crime novel into a dark and twisty YA paranormal story. This is definitely original!

3.5 of 5 starsCassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their mag3.5 of 5 starsCassie-Jayne (CJ) lives in a small town called New Salem, a close-knit community of witches that has always kept the secret of their magic hidden from the rest of the world. But since the sudden death of her sister in a car accident 3 years ago CJ has completely withdrawn from the Coven and refuses to attend the meetings. But with whispers about a curse, pressure from all sides to attend the coven meetings, and then finding a desperate last diary entry from her sister, it is clear that SOMETHING unusual is going on. CJ has to gradually unravel the mystery surrounding the town and what it has to do with her and her upcoming eighteenth birthday. As clues start falling into place CJ also has to face the possibility that her sister was murdered by the coven that she had loved. The idea of a magical coven masquerading as a normal town was cleverly woven seamlessly into the book, and all the magical elements of the story, the summoning of the 5 elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit) felt very believable. There is a back history in the book which links back to the Salem Witch Trials, and the legends that have persisted in New Salem tie back into the events of that time. CJ originally doesn't believe in all the tales of the magic, and although accepts it in others, refuses to believe it herself. CJ is a great heroine with a modern teen voice, who is obsessed with shoes and boys, a great mix of teen confidence, and a kind of naive vulnerability. I always found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would be okay. I also loved CJ's lifetime best friend Kay- someone you definitely wouldn't want to mess with, a toughnut who wouldn't hesitate to come after anyone who upset her BFF. (Like Jeff, who in kindergarten stole CJ's toy and Kay pushed him down and kicked him as hard as she could). I really liked Jeff, CJ's neighbour, who has a major crush on CJ, but who the girls avoid, and felt a little bit sorry for him! I always fall for the loyal and dependable guy! But then there is Ethan, the new boy in town, who CJ is drawn to, but she is just not sure if she can trust him. Gripping, but dark in places, full of twists, turns and surprises, unexpected betrayals, and allies in unexpected places, The Promise is a great teen witchy novel. It's a gripping mystery story, with a slow unravelling of secrets, creeping tension, magic, and an endearing love story. ...more

Book 1 in the Gone With The Respiration seriesEvery time one of my friends or work colleagues had asked me what I was reading lateley I had answered wBook 1 in the Gone With The Respiration seriesEvery time one of my friends or work colleagues had asked me what I was reading lateley I had answered with- "well... it's kind of a futuristic steampunk story where people have adopted the dress and manners of Victorian London, but it's still very technological, oh, and there are zombies... " People have gone all bug-eyed and looked at me like I've fallen off the crazy train. So I suck at describing what the book is about, but I have to tell you- it's brilliant!This book manages to be sophisticated, quirky and DIFFERENT. With female leads who are unique and ballsy. Nora for instance is dressed up in her full gown, gloves and slippers, but when she is taken by a band of zombie soldiers, still manages to make demands and boss everybody around! Her friend Pamela, strictly adheres to all the rules of social ettiquette- but still stabs a zombie in the head with her parasol when she is cornered. This novel has it all- plenty of action, and twists and turns, betrayals, and romance. And it's funny in places too. I highlighted so many places in the book that had either made me giggle or just generally made me think wow. I loved the world of this story as well. There were moments when it felt very Victorian and the character's customs made me forget that it set in the future- but then there would be emails, digital diaries and holograms, and it suddenly felt very futuristic again. It was such a clever mixture of old and modern, both in technology and speech, people have flat screens inside their carriages. The important thing to remember is that there are good zombies and bad zombies. Some people when they are infected do just want to eat your brain, but others are fine, and keep hold of their memories and their humanity. Nora Dearly is taken by a group of the good zombies to protect her from the bad zombies who had targeted her. Nora's father, Dr. Dearly has helped the zombies by perfecting serums and treatments to help nourish and preserve them, and tune-up or replace missing limbs. Nora is taken to the zombie military camp, and this is where she meets Captain Bram Griswold of Z Company. I don't think zombies will ever really take over from vampires and werewolves as romantic heroes in paranormal stories, even if they are as charming and sweet as Bram (something about rotting flesh and limbs dropping off is a bit of a turn off surely?) but it works so well in this book. I loved Bram- who was very sweet and always trying to think of ways to made Nora more comfortable, or taking her on little trips out to make her happy. But my favourite characters were Bram's zombie friends, who were always a laugh a minute but also so loyal, and definitely the good guys. Chastity, the only girl in the group was cute and feisty and definitely someone you'd want on your side in a fight, or as a best friend- as she was always there to loan Nora some clothes or to share some gossip. This is my favourite quote from Bram's friends, when Nora first meets them:

"I speak the truth! In all of these books the girls are throwing themselves at the romantic heroes- romantic heroes who are dead, who drink human blood. Be of good cheer, my brothers, for I tell you there is hope!"One of the other guys, a large black chap, rolled his lone eye."Okay, you're cut off. Someone get him a cookbook or something?""Or, you know, some fair damsel to seduce," the girl said, looking up from her reflection. When she saw us, her mouth split into a grin. "Hey, speak of the devil!"The one with the book whirled around and held up his hands."Before we do this formally- you."He looked at me, and I took a step back. "Have you ever heard of vampires?"I nodded. Who hasn't?"Had you heard of zombies before you came here?" I shook my head."See?" He thumped his book for emphasis. "Vampires are just zombies with good PR! That could be us in a few years!"

The story is told from alternating points of view from various characters (five, I think in total), which although sometimes was a little confusing, did give us differing insights into what the characters were thinking and feeling, and also showed us the action us it happened in different parts of the country. For instance we see how what is happening with Nora at the zombie camp, and then how that affects Pamela back in New London fighting through a zombie invasion, and also Dr. Dearly attempts to stop it. It did also leave a critical situation hanging for a chapter, as I had to wait between each chapter to find out what happened next to Nora! Overall though, I seriously recommend this book if you are a fan of quirky supernatural YA books, or zombies in general. If not- read it anyway because it might surprise you! A sassy and fun futuristic dystopian zombie romance, with fantastic characters that you will wish were real!

Thanks to Random House publishers and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book ...more

This book is an emotional mystery story that is really cleverly done. Sylvia (Vee) has been diagnosed with narcolepsy because she falls asleep suddenlThis book is an emotional mystery story that is really cleverly done. Sylvia (Vee) has been diagnosed with narcolepsy because she falls asleep suddenly and without warning. However the truth is much more sinister than that. When Vee goes out, she "slides" into someone else- someone with a connection to something that she has recently touched, and is forced to watch as an observer through their eyes. She has seen a teacher's affair with a bus driver, another teacher sneak a drink from a hidden bottle, and heard conversations and secrets that she shouldn't have been privy to. When she one day sees her sister's best friend being bullied and ignored, and then later sees her dead body through the eyes of the killer, only Vee knows that it wasn't a suicide as everyone suspects. However, she doesn't know who the killer was, and she can't reveal her secret, and therefore can't tell anybody what she knows. Vee has to try to work out who murdered Sophie by piecing together the clues and secrets that only she knows, and narrowing down the many possible suspects. This was such a great book but darker and more sinister than I was initally expecting. I loved the complexity of the relationships between all the different characters, especially the high-schoolers. You really get a sense of the history between them all, and a whole past of friendships, crushes, and old resentments. But I also felt the awkward relationship that Vee has with her father, and her resentment of how much he leans on her since her mother's death. The characters and the psychological aspect as a whole are really well done in this book. The other great thing is the mystery that is set up. It kept me guessing and making false assumptions throughout all the different twists and new revelations, and was very clever. New tidbits of information gradually come out and your perceptions of a character can suddenly change and your suspicions shift with each new revelation. For a fairly short book (250 pages) a lot is put into it, and I was left with a real understanding of these people and their town. I loved this book- I was gripped and intrigued, and saddened and moved, and elated all at different points. Highly recommended. ...more

This book was so much better than I was expecting! It was so addictive as there was always some new new twist or revelation. It is constantly excitingThis book was so much better than I was expecting! It was so addictive as there was always some new new twist or revelation. It is constantly exciting and as all these different stories and allegiances come out, it is impossible for Lila to know who to trust.

What I love the most about this book is Lila's crush on her brother's best friend Alex. She has been in love with him since they were children, and it is not hard to see why! But he is older and more worldly, and seems to look on her as an endearing little sister. Lila's crush on Alex is all consuming and so sweet! I loved that she kept remembering instances from when they were growing up together, as it gave them a real history together, and shows why she has fallen for him so hard.

It always feels like a contemporary novel, because the focus is on the characters and their trials and the drama of their lives. I adore books that focus of the emotional upheaval of the characters, and this book has it in spades. But there is also a strong paranormal aspect to it as well.

We find out on the first page that Lila has a power which terrifies her, and needing to get away for a while she travels to the other side of the world to stay with her soldier brother Jack on his military base. But it turns out that her brother's unit are hunting down dangerous people with special powers- people who killed Lila and Jack's mother, anyone with a superpower like tele-kinesis, mind reading or memory manipulation- people like Lila.

Lila is very funny and incredibly likable as a character. I loved her relationship with her protective older brother Jack, and of course swoon-worthy Alex! But as well as the characters, the exciting story line and the love story, I also love that the book is never what you expect. There are so many new plot twists, and always something different happening, some new relation or dark secret or betrayal.

This book is dramatic, heart-wrenching, lovable and totally gripping. I've fallen for Alex in a big way, and I'm rooting for a happy ending for all the main characters. ...more

Aaah! Ms Houck, what are you doing to me??!! In Tiger's Quest you broke my heart, and in Tiger's Voyage you've squeezed it, stomped on it, and put itAaah! Ms Houck, what are you doing to me??!! In Tiger's Quest you broke my heart, and in Tiger's Voyage you've squeezed it, stomped on it, and put it through a meat grinder!!To say that this book is emotional is a gross understatement. It is really REALLY emotional. And moving, heart-warming, heart-breaking, action-packed... and wonderful. I just love this series, these characters and their adventures together. The bonds between them all are complex and powerful, and I want to live in this story all the time. In book 1 Kelsey and cursed Indian prince Ren, set off on a quest to try to break the curse and let Ren be mortal and a man. In book 2, Kelsey and Kishan have to complete a quest together, and each time they have returned, the curse is lifted a little more, giving Ren and Kishan more hours of the day free of their tiger forms. Tiger's Voyage- book 3 in the series, continues on this same vein of adventure, and mystical places and creatures, while keeping up the same standard of beautiful writing, attention to detail, and vivid descriptions of setting and place. This time, their quest is on and under the ocean, where they must meet and outsmart five dragons, and the challenges they face are more dangerous and difficult than ever. This is definitely a beautifully complex quest story- the way all fantasy books should be- with added magic and mythical creatures, but in such a way that it feels real. Just the beauty of the places that they travel to and the stories and legends behind them, makes it feel like what they see could really happen. To start with, Kelsey is just an ordinary young woman from Oregon, but transplanted into this new mystical place amongst centuries old cursed tiger/princes, she grows into this courageous and powerful person. On top of everything that they have to accomplish to complete their newest quest is the turmoil of the mixed feelings that Kelsey has for the two brothers, her tigers. She loves them both, and can't imagine her life without either of them, but with Ren's memory of Kelsey gone because of Lokesh's torture, it is Kishan that Kelsey starts to grow closer to. Added to this drama of the confusion of her love life, is the threat of seriously evil bad-guy Lokesh hunting them. He wants the power of their amulets, but also sees potential in Kelsey, firstly as a way to hurt Ren, and secondly as a powerful mother to his future heir. The story goes through so many changes, and you can never be sure of a smooth outcome for them. These books make me laugh and cry, with a heart pounding adventure, and real character driven plotlines. And heartbreak (did I mention the heartbreak already?). I love the way that these books really stir up all my emotions and make me feel so strongly for these characters. I just love these books, these people and these beautiful stories so much. Seriously, if you haven't already- go and read this series!...more

<4.5 of 5 starsThe quest to free the two Indian princes from their curse continues in this second book in the series. Kelsey has moved back home to<4.5 of 5 starsThe quest to free the two Indian princes from their curse continues in this second book in the series. Kelsey has moved back home to Colorado, but has been given her own house, college is paid for, and she has a generous allowance to live on. She has decided to continue to help the princes by conducting research from afar while she tries to sort out her confused feelings about Ren, and throws herself into her studies and resuming a normal life again. But when Ren shows up in Colorado determined to win her back again, it is only the start of the complicated battle of emotion between them. I just adore Ren, who is beautiful, sweet, generous, patient and understanding and who fusses over Kelsey like a mother hen! He keeps gazing at Kelsey with his lovely blue eyes and quirky smile and finding reasons to hold her or touch her hair, making Kelsey (and me) melt. Not to mention literally fighting off other guys for her. The course of true love definitely doesn't run easily for Kelsey and Ren, with struggles and separations, and as Kelsey continues on the next stage of their quest with Ren's brother Kishan, the two of them grow close and complicate things even further. Kishan is very much devoted to Kelsey, but torn between whether he is protecting Kelsey for his own sake or looking after his brother's girl. The former bad boy with his rogueish charm is haunted by the decisions he made years ago and plagued by guilt. When the two brothers are together it brings out the worst side of Kishan- he is all cockiness and posturing, but when he is travelling alone with Kelsey we see a completely different side to him- a tenderness and vulnerability, and a sense that all he really wants is some stability. The love triangle aspect of the story is done so well- we really get a sense of Kishan's personality before he declares his love for her. Even when Ren and Kelsey are separated and she and Kishan are off travelling together, she still has dreams about Ren and their communication through these dreams is so moving and a real affirmation of their relationship. But Kishan also has dreams of a future where he is with Kelsey, and the bliss he feels in these dreams confuses him even further, and gives us a real insight into the depth of his desire for Kelsey, and his wish for the future he glimpsed in his vision to become real. We can see how painful it is for him to step aside, and help Ren- so that he doesn't repeat the mistakes of his past. One of the things I loved about the first book was all the vivid detailing and description throughout, however, I did start to find this a little bit wearing in book 2. I wanted to scream at Kelsey sometimes- "I don't care what you had for dinner, and what he had for dinner, and all about these different tourist sites you visited while you're trying to blend in- Ren has been kidnapped, you need to rescue him, lets go- just get on with it!". There were some parts in the middle where there was just no urgency! That was my only major complaint about this book. It just seemed like the author wanted to show off how much research she had put into the book, but it damaged the flow of the story. I still do love the descriptions and little details, and did again love the beautiful writing and the way that everything is always so well explained, giving us a real sense of both the Indian jungles and the mystical places that the characters travel to. But in moderation!I love feisty, intelligent Kelsey, but have to say that her biggest flaws are her stubbornness and her inability to see the truth right in front of her eyes. She is also quite isolated, constantly pushing others away, and has very few friends because of this. When she starts at University she doesn't have any old friends to keep in touch with, she barely lets her foster parents know that she has come back from India, and she spends the first term pretty much on her own, burying herself in studying and research. She regards Ren, Kishan and their guardian Mr. Kadam as her family though, and puts all her trust in them completely. She only really comes into her own while she is India with these friends.Tiger's Quest is an absolutely wonderful novel, filled with magic and adventure. This really is a fantastically imaginative story with visits into other worlds, magical creatures both good and bad, and stories and legends from other cultures and realms. Kelsey gets to travel the world, meeting all kinds of people, and creatures, enduring trials and challenges, using skill and intelligence to solve puzzles and working together with the brothers to lift an ancient curse. She storms a fortress, fights seriously evil bad guys, and develops a useful power of her own. This really is a quest story with a difference, it is magical and action packed. The thing I love most about it though is the bond between the main characters and the confusing relationships between them. I love the way that the author can pull on your heartstrings so completely, in the way that Ren and Kelsey's story develops with a passionate love and a crushing loss. After a fraught rollercoaster of emotions the book ends on a heartbreaking note. This is one of those books that I can't stop thinking about long after I've finished reading it. I definitely can't wait to continue on with Kelsey's story in book 3, but I'm so confused now, who do I like more- white tiger Ren or black tiger Kishan?...more

This is one of those books that is definitely best read in December when all the lights are up and christmas is in the air. Dash and Lily's Book of DaThis is one of those books that is definitely best read in December when all the lights are up and christmas is in the air. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is about 2 teenagers with very different outlooks to the christmas period. Dash can only see the mad shopper crowds, overpriced novelty gifts, and the crushed commercial madness of christmas, whereas Lily loves christmas, for the lights, the goodwill, and a chance to spend time playing games with her family. But with most of her family away travelling this year, Lily is faced with the prosect of spending this christmas alone and it terrifies her. Dash on the other hand has engineered it so that he can spend christmas alone, without any family dramas. They meet by writing notes to each other in a journal, sharing secrets and setting each other dares. Lily is the cutest sixteen year old New-Yorker I've ever heard of, roping in various members of her extended family across New York to help her with her notebook dare schemes. These dares often had me laughing out loud, because they were so funny told in Dash's very stoic voice. The best thing about this book is it's quirky humour, it's weird coincidences and meaningful mistakes. But also, for a kooky, funny book it is also very intelligently written- the humour in it is witty rather than overly silly. I loved both of these characters, and this is definitely a book full of heart. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is a fun, cute read that had me giggling out loud in places. This is a cosy christmassy read that left me feeling as warm and fuzzy as a glass of mulled wine! Recommended....more

These books are brilliant- such a wonderful mix of mystery and magic with really quirky and lovable characters. The Legend Of Witchtrot Road follows YThese books are brilliant- such a wonderful mix of mystery and magic with really quirky and lovable characters. The Legend Of Witchtrot Road follows Yuki and friends investigating the death of a football player, killed whilst driving down the supposedly haunted Witchtrot Road. His smell impression keeps leading them back to the school, but Yuki herself is in grave danger when the rest of the football team accuse Yuki of being a witch and of casting a fatal curse on the team. Yuki, Calvin, Simon and Emma need to find out exactly what is happening in the town (and preferably before the full moon). I love the sense of family and loyalty between these four friends, and how they always work together to help each other out. As vegan vet-in-training Emma and smarmy werewolf boy Simon are thrown together more and more often in various situations, there is a hint that their constant bickering is the beginning of the unlikely couple starting a budding relationship themselves.

Overall, I just love these characters and the style that the book is written in, with the constant interjection of Yuki's thoughts. This is such a fun story to read because Yuki has such a unique voice. These books are definitely addictive and always leave me craving more!

4.5 of 5 starsIn this new YA sci-fi thriller, Earth has been invaded by thousands of giant black hovering pods in the sky, and anyone who was outside4.5 of 5 starsIn this new YA sci-fi thriller, Earth has been invaded by thousands of giant black hovering pods in the sky, and anyone who was outside on the morning they arrived just disappears. Anyone who ventures outside also disappears. None of the phones, radios and TVs work. Anyone who survived is trapped where they are. POD is told through the eyes of two characters completely unconnected and miles apart- 15 year old Josh who is trapped inside his house with his neurotic father, and 12 year old Megs, who is left in a multi-story car park. Megs is so naive and this makes her very endearing but she quickly toughens up and learns to fend for herself and scrounge/rummage through the other cars for supplies, and new hiding places from the hotel security staff next door who have taken advantage of the situation and become little dictators. A lot of Meg's story os focused on the security staff as the enemy, and not the PODs at all. Josh's main enemy is boredom, and trying to live with the company of just his father- who has very set ideas about what they should be doing. Because I loved and connected with these characters I spent the book tense with fear at what was going to happen to them. I really liked the dual narrative of this book. Because the narrative is only told through these two voices we have no idea what is really happening, what the strange noises mean and what is happening in the wider world- what the governments are doing about the PODs and how far reaching it is. There is no TV news, no radio, and no phones, and so the range of Josh's knowledge about what is happening is limited to how far down the road he can see through the window. It is the unknown that makes this such a good and tense novel. As the weeks drag on and food and water starts to run low and there is still no sign of the aliens advancing any further, the sense of desperation and frustration increases and the worry over what will happen to them next is a constant theme. Despite the narrowness of the setting (some people trapped indoors), I found the whole book really pacy and exciting, and the constant switching between Meg's story and Josh's worked really well. This is a fantastic, gripping, emotional and thought-provoking book that is sometimes harsh but ultimately very clever. I loved it. And I think it would appeal even to those who are not usually fans of sci-fi novels simply because the focus is on such a small group of people and their battle to survive- showing us the best and worst of human nature pushed to the limit. There is a great sense of humanity and solidarity that is universal. ...more

WOW! - that pretty much sums up this book. Daughter of Smoke and Bone becomes the standard to which novels now need to meaure up to. I think the pagesWOW! - that pretty much sums up this book. Daughter of Smoke and Bone becomes the standard to which novels now need to meaure up to. I think the pages actually glow with magic as you read it. This novel is just beautiful- so fresh and quirky and completely different from anything else I've ever read. Mysterious and intriguing, and completely engrossing. Karou is an art student living in Prague, and flitting between two worlds- the real world with her artwork and her normal friends, and then the world of the demons who have raised her since she was a baby. Karou is a wonderfully unique character, both feisty and kick-ass, but also recently heartbroken and incredibly emotionally vulnerable. You can't help but love her and be completely fascinated by her. She is working for her grumpy guardian Brimstone, travelling the world via portal and collecting teeth from graverobbers or animal researchers for Brimstone's mysterious magic, when she meets Akiva and finds herself caught up in a centuries old otherworldly war. Secrets come out that explain who Karou really is, and we look back in time, to Akiva's past, and an incident that changed the course of the future. I loved the way that the flashbacks into the past tied cleverly into the dramatic events of the present- very cleverly bringing the story back full circle. I don't know how to describe this book without giving too much away, only that it's magical, and it made me laugh and made me cry- a superb book full of humour, love, loss, war, revelations, tragedy and heartbreak. So so good. It is the beautiful vivid and lyrical writing, and the tragic romance that really make this book what it is, and I was so completely wrapped up this world, I was there. This is my favourite book of the year so far, I'm desperate for more from this story and these characters. Expected publication of book 2 is September 2012...more

I absolutely love all of Maria Snyder's books and the way she writes her characters, but I thought that this one was one of the better ones- back up tI absolutely love all of Maria Snyder's books and the way she writes her characters, but I thought that this one was one of the better ones- back up to the standard of the fantastic Poison Study. I love the fantasy and the beautiful world building, but also the fantastic characters, and the camerarderie and companionship between them. In this new series, magical healer Avry has been on the run and alone for three years. In the past, people with magic were respected, but now they are met with fear and suspicion- healers most especially. When she is kidnapped/ rescued from execution by a group of travellers determined to make her heal their friend, (a prince who Avry hates) she initially fights back. But as their travels drag on she gets used to them, and grows to think of them as a family, and I loved the bonds between them. She jokes around with Vinn and Quain, learns to fight from Belen and teaches little Flea how to juggle, as well as improving the standard of cooking on their travels. After a time she cannot imagine being without her new little family, and can't bear the thought of being on her own again. In turn, her determination, stubbornness and self-sacrificing nature earns her the respect of the group, and makes a strong impression on the group's leader Kerrick. And when Avry is taken by the nasty Tohon, the group fight tooth and nail to get her back again. As well as the great cast of characters adding fun and heart to the story, there is the seriousness of the politics of the fifteen kingdoms, and the scheming and treachery involved in the fight for power. There are also the magical new creatures and plants of the world, the most intriguing of which are the Peace and Death Lilies, which I'm guessing the mystery of will be further explained in later books, and the different powers of the people as well. Some of the characters have more power than others, and there are also some new powers developing- keeping everything very interesting. Despite the fact that there was a lot of travelling and camping the story never seemed to drag at all- it always felt like there was something going on, even if it was just a shift in the dynamics of the group. There is plenty of action in the form of attacks on the group, and Avry is still trying to discover more about what happened to her family and also trying to uncover the secret of the mysterious plague that has swept the land, and why the healers were blamed for it. Avry makes a great heroine because she is good and self-sacrificing, but also smart, feisty and courageous. She is very witty and speaks her mind no matter what. This frustrates Kerrick no end, and makes their banter so much more interesting to read about. Maria Snyder has done it again- she has created a world where I get so completely sucked in and absorbed in that I don't even notice the pages turning. This is a completely compelling book mostly because of the relatable and lovable characters. Even those not fans of fantasy books can't help but be warmed by their friendship, amused by their quirkiness, and saddened by their losses. This is a story full of companionship, history, magic, danger, betrayals, and a sweet love story aspect that kind of sneaks up on you. Beautiful- I loved it.

Thanks to Harlequin publishers and Netgalley for the advance e-copy of this book for review. ...more

Mercy is a being who is continually dropped into another person's life for an unknown length of time, usually until she can sort out som3.5 of 5 stars

Mercy is a being who is continually dropped into another person's life for an unknown length of time, usually until she can sort out some problem in that person's life. This time, she finds herself in the body of a depressed and angry girl, forced to quit university to care for her dying mother, and working in a coffee shop in a rough area of town. It takes Mercy a lot longer to adapt to this new body, because she has no clue where she has to go for work, or who anybody is, and has to continually make up excuses for her sudden memory loss. The people all around her are rude and harrassed, and Lela's life is a very depressing one, with no glimmer of hope in her future. She does find a way to get in contact with Ryan again, from her previous life as Carmen, and arranges to meet up with him- but will he manage to get there in time? I thought that this was better than book 1 Mercy, because some of the ideas behind what Mercy really is, were better developed. She also starts to remember little snippets of what she was before, and some of the angels she used to know in another time. We the reader are slowly fed some clues to her background and the reason behind her situation. Mercy is still visited by the mysterious Luc in her dreams and confused by his cryptic advice about "the Eight". The tension keeps building up and up to a climactic shocker of a finish. This book felt a little darker than the first one simply because it was sadder and there was an underlying hopelessness about it. I loved the idea of her managing to get in touch with Ryan again, from her new body on the other side of the world. He is the only one who believes her story and sees her for who she really is, but I just didn't get their supposedly epic love. I didn't see that much romance in book 1 (unless I missed it) and I actually thought he spent most of the book being quite mean to her, and only started to like her nearer the end, when they were working together to find out what happened to his sister, and learning to trust each other. I love the idea of these books, and seeing Mercy struggle to cope in each new situation. I look forward to seeing where she will end up next, and to finding out some more about the mystery of her background- who is punishing her and why- and to find out if she will manage to escape the endless cycle forced on her and be able to live her own life. ...more

2.5 of 5 starsI loved the premise of this book when I first read it. It actually seems like it could be a very real possibilty in the not too distant2.5 of 5 starsI loved the premise of this book when I first read it. It actually seems like it could be a very real possibilty in the not too distant distant future, in a world where some people can have hundreds of facebook friends and be very outspoken on online forums, but be very isolated and withdrawn in real life. More and more people seem to struggle with the basics of face-to-face conversation, and have no clue how to talk to people, what to say, and it's not uncommon to meet someone new who can't even make eye contact with you. I think I liked the idea of this story, better than the execution of it. There are a lot of points in the book that are just skipped over, and we never really get to genuinely know any the characters. David didn't seem to be very disassociated to me, he is just a jerk- and likewise there is nothing wrong with Charlie either, he is very sweet and very capable of conversation and asking a girl on a date, it's just that he is very shy, and lacks confidence. I also thought it was quite disturbing that a lot of the other boys with companion dolls were taking them to backstreet mechanics to get the electric shocker removed, and nobody seemed to think that this was wrong or did anything about it. The only one that I did like was Rose, the "companion doll", who started to develop a real personality and sense of humour all on her own, while not really helping the boys to mature at all. She has to adapt to everything that is unfamiliar to her and in struggling to cope she also starts to form her own opinions and make her own choices. Overall the whole book felt kind of rushed and the ending was extremely unsatisfying. A lot was still unexplained. I felt that this book trying to convey a parody on modern society, and deliver a moral message but that it kind of missed the mark. ...more

Blood is set over the span of just a few days, and tells the story of Will Mercia, who is a vampire in the traditional sense of the mythology- closerBlood is set over the span of just a few days, and tells the story of Will Mercia, who is a vampire in the traditional sense of the mythology- closer to Bram Stoker's Dracula than the vampires of Twilight. He emerges from his crypt in an old church (now a tourist attraction) for a span of a few weeks every 20 years or so, needing blood, and he is stronger than humans and has the power to influence them with his mind. Will emerges from his hibernation for a short period coming out only at night-time, hungry at first, and so starts hunting down someone who wouldn't be missed- like a homeless person. However, the homeless drug addict that Will finds on this latest trip outside leaves a notebook with a cryptic message for Will, a prophecy or a warning, and a picture of a girl with a message. Things are different this time up on the surface, someone seems to know who Will really is and sets traps to attack him.Through a twist of fate Will finds the girl in the picture- Eloise- who is living rough, and convinces her that they are connected through the prophecy in the homeless man's notebook. Will faces the possibility that the person who bit and transformed him all those years ago has come back, and the mystery surrounding this elusive person drives the story toward a tense climax. This book also has a gothic feel to it, not only with Will's crypt and the church, but the flashbacks into the past and a time of witch burning and feuds between noble families. This is mixed in with a more modern style, and the start of a budding romance between the two lead characters. We have a bubbly and strong 16-year old girl, and the stuffy 12th century earl-turned-vampire. I liked this book and felt that it had potential- but for me, it lacked a spark, and left me confused as to was the enemy and why, and what had actually happened! There are so few characters in this story but they aren't really developed or memorable and I just couldn't connect with them. I also like a little romance in any story, and this one was very downplayed. The writing just wasn't captivating enough and I didn't feel completely connected to the world or mythology of the story. Also, this book is obviously intended to be part of a series, and so there is a cryptic epilogue at the final page intended to entice you to want to find out more. However, I felt the book worked fine as it was and that the epilogue was unnecessary and was just confusing because it wasn't explained. I did like this story but there was nothing spectacular about it and I doubt it'll stand out in my mind in a few weeks time. I would maybe recommend it to younger teens? ...more

4.5 of 5 starsI really loved this story- which was at times dark and disturbing, but also a powerful and positive portrayal of humanity banding togeth4.5 of 5 starsI really loved this story- which was at times dark and disturbing, but also a powerful and positive portrayal of humanity banding together to survive against bad odds. What I love about dystopian novels is their ability to throw all societal conventions and laws out the window, to make anything possible, and to show us the real gritty side of the way people behave when the world as we know it is changed beyond recognition. Everything becomes a real struggle just to survive, and we see people behaving at their worst and most selfish, but also those people who will band together and work together to stay alive- sharing limited food and risking their lives for people who had been strangers days before. This book has all of this and more in spades. The story centres on 17-year-old Alex and the people she meets and loses along the way. At the start of the book she is a desperate teenager dying of a brain tumour and too depressed to be around people. She has decided to hike up her favourite mountain with her parent's ashes, as a final attempt to reclaim the freedom that she has lost in her life and say goodbye to her parents. Out in the wilderness out of nowhere the sky suddenly turns purple, there is an ear-splitting sound and the birds start falling from the sky. The sudden and unexplained Electromagnetic pulse destroys all the technology, kills most of the population outright, and, as Alex soon discovers changes most of the younger members of the population unrecognisably into savage creatures. Those that have survived will do anything to stay alive and keep the new threat in the woods at bay. The plot is original and well-paced and takes us from an isolated mountain wilderness back to the mean streets of a society battling to survive, and finally to a new guarded village where a few residents have taken complete control and think that they have the answer to the way to survive. Alex herself is tough and resourceful, but also tender and patient when she is saddled with an angry and stubborn 8 year old with issues. She is fiercely loyal to the new friends she makes on her journey back down the mountain. I love the way that despite her stubborn independence she is also very vulnerable, and when she and Ellie find ex-army guy Tom, she is happy to have some of the responsibility off her shoulders. Tom was another of my favourite characters- just someone who is completely kind and selfless. I loved the way this little makeshift family banded together. This book is very clever and really moving- turning from a story of loss and wilderness survival into a struggle against both zombies and the darker side of human nature. It is at times horrific and gory but still brilliant in it's portrayal of the main characters, who like the focal survivors in a disaster movie you can't help but identify with and root for. Alex was a wonderful lead character who was the right mix of feisty and vulnerable, and has to learn to trust the people she is thrown together with. The second half of the story changes in tone from a desperate escape into trying to accept a new way of life in the village and Alex must use her own resourcefulness to do what she feels is the right thing. The whole book is full of dramatic twists and turns, action and drama. The story left my nerves on edge and the explosive cliff-hanger ending has left me desperate for the next installment of this series. ...more

I really liked this book- it was gripping, mysterious and heartfelt, however, this definitely felt like a middle book, in that the story didn't move mI really liked this book- it was gripping, mysterious and heartfelt, however, this definitely felt like a middle book, in that the story didn't move much further along and nothing was resolved by the end. But I did feel like this book was a lot clearer than the first one. This is because in Dead Beautiful the explanation about the Undead was so long in coming there were times during book 1 where I wasn't sure what was going on and it took me a long time for the rules of the legends and mythology to sink in. I understood this book a lot better, because the foundations were already there.In Dead Beautiful Renee and Dante found each other and fell in love, but they struggle to be together in this book. Renee's grandfather has threatened to kill Dante if he ever sees him again, and makes plans to send Renee to an alternative school. The two of them do manage to communicate a little through Renee's former roommate, and even sneak a meeting once or twice, but it is increasingly dangerous for them to be near each other. There is also a love triangle thrown into the story. At her new school normal, dependable Noah is very interested in Renee, and eager to spend time with her. And even though Renee tells him she has a boyfriend, as Dante's mysterious whereabouts, secrets and lies throw everything she thinks she knows into question, it is Noah that Renee turns to to help her solve the mystery of the Nine Sisters. So this book becomes a mystery as Renee and Noah set out to solve a puzzle based on Renee's visions of the past and present, and an exciting adventure across Canada with battles against the Undead, and plenty of mysterious clues and riddles. This is a strong series with a creepy, eerie undertone to it that makes it very cool. I'm liking the story so far for the love story, the characters and it's unique take on the well-used genre of teen paranormal romance. I will be reading the next in the series when it is published.

Thanks to Disney Hyperion publishers and Netgalley for the review copy of the book. ...more

Every Other Day plunges us straight into the drama that is Kali's life and takes us on action packed thrill-ride of a story that doesn't pause for breEvery Other Day plunges us straight into the drama that is Kali's life and takes us on action packed thrill-ride of a story that doesn't pause for breath! In every 2 day cycle Kali is completely human for 24 hours, and a faster, stronger, blood-thirsty demon hunter for the next 24 hours. There is a constant countdown as Kali is continually aware of her impending next change, and this repeated counting down makes the book feel more pacey, and gives a permanent sense of urgency. Kali is a tough character- a demon hunter who works alone, and pushes everyone away. The story is set in a reality where everybody knows about vampires and zombies, hellhounds and demons, because Darwin discovered them and revealed their existence to the world 200 years ago. Kali has always kept her ability a secret, and distanced herself from family and friends. This changes when she starts at a new school and meets lovable quirky Skylar, and bitchy cheerleader Bethany, and inadvertantly entangles them in her lastest demon slaying mission. I liked this cobbled-together team of misfits though, and the interactions between them were sometimes strained, sometimes funny, and sometimes sweet, but always enjoyable to read. When Kali spots that Bethany has been infected by a demon who will shortly kill her, she decides to take the demon into herself instead, knowing that she will only have to make it through one day as a human and the next time she changes her toxic blood will destroy the demon. Nothing runs smoothly though, and Kali and crew must survive unknown attacking demons, shady dealings at her father's laboratory, and, disturbingly, a voice in her head brought in by the demon infection. Having read and liked Jennifer Lynn Barnes' other series Raised by Wolves I can say that the two main characters Bryn and Kali are very similar- both tomboyish, tough, and self-sacrificing. Actually, in terms of the romance plot as well, reading about Kali and Zev was exactly like reading about Bryn and Chase again. Their love is of the "we are destined to be together" kind of love- but with everything else going on, there isn't really any time for a traditional date, or even a normal conversation. The whole story races by in a rush. I liked Every Other Day for the action, the feisty likable characters, and the twists in the story that kept me guessing.

Thanks to Egmont publishers and Netgalley for the advance e-copy of the book.

Book 1 in the Tiger seriesA-mazing book! This book is the perfect example of the way novels are supposed to be- original, very in depth, with a rich pBook 1 in the Tiger seriesA-mazing book! This book is the perfect example of the way novels are supposed to be- original, very in depth, with a rich plot-line and lovable well-developed characters. This is easily one of the best books I've read this year. I could re-read it over and over. Love it!The story focuses on 17 year-old Kelsey, who finds a temporary job working with a circus for the summer before she is due to leave for university. Among the many duties she performs, her favourite task is working with the white tiger, who she has a terrific rapport with. When a wealthy benefactor buys the tiger- Dhiren- he offers Kelsey a job escorting the tiger back to a sanctuary in India, offering to pay all her expenses, first class travel, and take care of all the plans for her. It turns out that the tiger is an Indian prince who has been cursed for hundreds of years, and can only be a man for 20 minutes of each day. Dhiren (nicknamed Ren by Kelsey) is warm, kind and determined to lift the curse upon him with Kelsey's help, and become a man again permanently. He is crazy about Kelsey and although he sometimes puts her in danger in their quest through caves, and tunnels, and enchanted forests, he is also extremely protective and would never want to see her hurt. The two of them travel through India, deciphering a prophecy, and trekking through jungles hunting for lost treasure from the stories that can help them to break the curse. They also have to look for Ren's brother Kishan who was also cursed to be a tiger but who has preferred to stay hidden. He is cheekier than Ren, and perhaps where he has been left alone for so long it has made him coarser and a little rough around the edges. But I did enjoy the rivalry between the two brothers and the bickering between them, but also the loyalty that is there. The best thing about this novel is the vivid detailing and the rich descriptions of the places, and people. We get such a constant insight into Kelsey's thoughts and feelings, and why she is always so conflicted. I also enjoyed all the myths and legends woven into the tale, and the old Indian stories that Kelsey is told, which had an impact on what was happening with her and Ren, and which sometimes gave them some clues as to how to break the curse. All the old stories of the magic are interwoven with the modern day, and a strong modern heroine. I love Ren, the cursed Indian prince/ white tiger, and the slow boil of their affection for each other as they gradually learn to trust each other and the friendship between them turns to love. It's not all plain sailing between them however, and Kelsey is determined to keep her head rather than let herself be swept away, and is constantly questioning her feelings, and the right course of action. Ren though is everything you want the romantic lead to be, thoughtful and with a good heart (and sexy of course!)I love this book so much! This is everything that books are supposed to be- well written, descriptive, thrilling, heart-breakingly romantic, and full of action and magic. This book blew me away! Everything from the characters, the setting and the story just kept me engrossed in this beautiful and mystical world. I want the next one NOW!...more